PSU: It stands for Plasma Spray Unit, Pennsylvania State University, and Power Sellers Unite. But the acronym is best known for representing the sort of power supply PC computers need to switch on and then keep the electricity flowing within. A computer’s PSU (Power Supply Unit) may not seem as exciting as the motherboard, CPU, hard drive and video card, but without the right one, those crucial and exciting components are little more than oddly-shaped bits of useless silicon, aluminium, copper and chrome. It can handily be found at any reputable supplier e.g. RS Components.
How does the PSU do its thing?
The typical power supply PC users may be familiar with looks like a metal box with ventilation for the internal fan and wires ready to hook up the components. Hidden away on the inside are:
* A rectifier for converting the AC
* A filter for smoothing out the DC
* A transformer for ‘stepping up’ or ‘stepping down’ the input voltage
* A regulator for controlling the required voltage.
But how does it all work? Let’s explore a little deeper:
- ‘Convert’, not ‘supply’
While the word ‘supply’ is right there in the name, it’s more accurate to say that a PSU converts rather than supplies power to the IT hardware. Out of the mains comes high voltage alternating current (AC), which is the most efficient way to transport electricity across those power lines. What the PSU does is turn the AC into another form of current – DC (direct current).
- Why DC?
DC power differs in that it is one-way as opposed to AC’s two-directional nature, with the PSU then regulating the DC for the precise power requirements of the computer’s highly sensitive hardware components.
- Switched mode
There are two basic types of power units: linear and switched. Many devices other than PCs only require linear power supplies, which can only ‘step down’ the input voltage and are typically hotter and less efficient. The power supply PC systems need are switched-mode power supplies, which get their name from the rapid switching on and off of the power source that cuts out efficiency and ramps up efficiency. Another big benefit for PCs is that switched mode power supplies can normally handle changes in input power – for example, both Australia’s 230V 50Hz as well as the 120V 60Hz standard power input in the USA.
How to select a PSU for your operations
Did you know there are at least 2 billion computers in the world? As well as in homes, they are also indispensable to the crucial operations of just about every industry and business that exists today: from banks to schools, shops, design houses, the health care industry, production plants – and so many more. Depending on the computer specifications and the required operations, PSUs differ considerably to handle the wattage, efficiency, video processing power, cable connections, built-in protection and other operating requirements.
More specifically, you should only select a PSU after considering:
The connections: The way power is allocated and connected within your system depends on the motherboard.
The watts: In general, the more complex your setup, the more wattage will be required. Remember, a more powerful PSU will easily handle lower-power operations, but the same is not true in reverse.
The protection: Especially in the world of industry and business, system safety is a big concern to protect against failures, short circuits and surges.
The efficiency rating: More powerful systems are more sensitive to inefficient PSUs, leading to power wastage, excess heat, and component wear.
The extras: Never forget that computers are highly customisable, with PSUs able to feature RGB lighting, more connections, cable customisation, test buttons and power measurement abilities.
While the power supply PC systems require may seem like the least exciting of all the components, getting it right with a wise and deliberate choice will mean powerful, productive operations – while getting it wrong means slow functions, frustration, failure, or no power whatsoever.